It was a smart move for an astute and talented performer when Drew Holcomb signed on as the opening act for Darius Rucker’s current tour.
Both artists touched down in San Diego for a spirited show at the relatively intimate Gallagher Square. Situated just past the outfield at Petco Park, the grassy hillside was a perfect setting on a balmy evening.
It was Holcomb’s last gig for the summer, and he hit it out of the park.
Ambitiously front loading his setlist with a bunch of new songs, he acknowledged the strategy a few tunes in: “Y’all are wondering ‘who is this guy up here and all the new songs,’ well the songs are new to us too!”
One of the best new songs “Gratitude” was a heart-felt worldview from Holcomb.
Similarly, “What Would I Do Without You” was delivered with conviction. “I wrote it for my wife of 18 years. I hope you like it but I don’t care because she loves it.”
Another touchstone for Holcomb’s worldview was shared by listeners, he humbly pointed out that after 20 years the band hit #1 with “Find Your People.”
Mid-set Holcomb let the cat out of the bag and announced he’d be back in San Diego in the spring for a gig at The Belly Up, “one of the finest clubs in America.” He mentioned the gig when we spoke a few weeks ago, but I have dutifully protected any radius clause issues until now.
Mark that gig down to ensure one of the best evenings of 2024.
With such a rich songbook of his own, I was surprised Holcomb chose to cover Tom Petty’s “Runnin’ Down a Dream.” A solid version, but Holcomb can rely on his vast repertoire to fill out a couple headlining gigs. I really missed the superb “American Beauty” and the soaring “Good Light.”
But that leaves me hungry for the next gig. Astute thinking on the artist’s part, indeed.
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